Here’s random notes from Sunday’s action
Easter Gems
For as bad as pitching was in the first six days of the 2009 season, it was just as good Saturday and Sunday.
Jake Peavy pitched 8 1/3 innings on Saturday against the Giants, striking out 10. At that point, it was the most outs recorded by a starting pitcher this season.
Then came Sunday.
Aaron Harang and Kyle Lohse threw complete-game, three-hit shutouts, and Josh Johnson threw a complete game gem, allowing one run in a 2-1 win over the Mets and starter Johann Santanna, who struck out 13 Marlins.
It’s the first time that three pitchers have thrown complete games on the same day during opening week since April 6, 1994.
Not pitching complete games, but just as effective were James Shields, Kevin Milwood and Erik Bedard, all who pitched into the seventh inning, allowing no runs.
Quite a difference from most everyone’s first start of the season.
I just wish they were on my team.
Climbing the Stairs
After a rough series against the Braves and a forgettable opening game with Cole Hamels on the mound in Colorado, the Phillies have managed two come-from-behind wins — they’re style — to leave Denver with a 3-3 record.
Now with a series against the winless Nationals, the Phillies look like they will have a chance to get things going the right way. And Sunday’s win was a nice follow-up to Saturday’s victory, as the Phils recorded 13 hits.
The bats had been quite silent, but Ryan Howard went 3-for-4, Jason Werth and Pedro Feliz each had multiple hits, along with Chase Utley, who has been the only consistent batter for Philly so far.
Utley hit the game-tying two-run homer and Matt Stairs, a hero in the NLCS against the Dodgers, blasted a two-run homer to give the Phils a 7-5 lead.
Ryan Madson picked up the win, pitching in relief and Brad Lidge got the save.
No matter how great the Marlins' starting pitching looks, I believe this division will be decided by offense and bullpens.
The Phillies have both. The Marlins only have offense. The Mets' bullpen is shaky leading up to K-Rod and their offense isn't as explosive as the Fish and the Phils.
The Braves offense has been hot, along with their starting pitching, but we've already seen what they're bullpen can do. Or should I say can't do.
And lastly, the Nats. Well, that's how they're going to finish. Last.
Phils will edge the Marlins for first, with the Mets and Braves fighting for third.
Easter Gems
For as bad as pitching was in the first six days of the 2009 season, it was just as good Saturday and Sunday.
Jake Peavy pitched 8 1/3 innings on Saturday against the Giants, striking out 10. At that point, it was the most outs recorded by a starting pitcher this season.
Then came Sunday.
Aaron Harang and Kyle Lohse threw complete-game, three-hit shutouts, and Josh Johnson threw a complete game gem, allowing one run in a 2-1 win over the Mets and starter Johann Santanna, who struck out 13 Marlins.
It’s the first time that three pitchers have thrown complete games on the same day during opening week since April 6, 1994.
Not pitching complete games, but just as effective were James Shields, Kevin Milwood and Erik Bedard, all who pitched into the seventh inning, allowing no runs.
Quite a difference from most everyone’s first start of the season.
I just wish they were on my team.
Climbing the Stairs
After a rough series against the Braves and a forgettable opening game with Cole Hamels on the mound in Colorado, the Phillies have managed two come-from-behind wins — they’re style — to leave Denver with a 3-3 record.
Now with a series against the winless Nationals, the Phillies look like they will have a chance to get things going the right way. And Sunday’s win was a nice follow-up to Saturday’s victory, as the Phils recorded 13 hits.
The bats had been quite silent, but Ryan Howard went 3-for-4, Jason Werth and Pedro Feliz each had multiple hits, along with Chase Utley, who has been the only consistent batter for Philly so far.
Utley hit the game-tying two-run homer and Matt Stairs, a hero in the NLCS against the Dodgers, blasted a two-run homer to give the Phils a 7-5 lead.
Ryan Madson picked up the win, pitching in relief and Brad Lidge got the save.
No matter how great the Marlins' starting pitching looks, I believe this division will be decided by offense and bullpens.
The Phillies have both. The Marlins only have offense. The Mets' bullpen is shaky leading up to K-Rod and their offense isn't as explosive as the Fish and the Phils.
The Braves offense has been hot, along with their starting pitching, but we've already seen what they're bullpen can do. Or should I say can't do.
And lastly, the Nats. Well, that's how they're going to finish. Last.
Phils will edge the Marlins for first, with the Mets and Braves fighting for third.
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